Reflections on the Daily Readings 21st March 2022
Monday 21st March
Lenten Weekday
Commit to a better world
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on this, the anniversary of police in South Africa killing 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid in 1960. All these decades later, the violence of racial discrimination continues. The catechism instructs Catholics that racism “must be curbed and eradicated as incompatible with God’s design.” This year’s theme is “Youth standing up against racism” with a focus on how the pandemic has especially hindered the education and employment prospects of young people from minority backgrounds. No matter your age, make a commitment this Lent to help put a stop to racism once and for all.
Today's readings: 2 Kings 5:1-15ab; Luke 4:24-30
“When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury.”
Tuesday 22nd March
Lenten Weekday
Let living waters flow
It’s World Water Day. This U.N. observance shines a light not only on the critical importance of a clean and adequate water supply—so essential, it’s a basic human right—but also how it’s endangered. In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis identifies no less than five serious threats to our planet’s water supply, some impacting our world right now, particularly among the poor. The 2005 murder of Sister Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, an environmental martyr for her fierce protection of the Amazon and its people, highlights that the global “water wars” have already begun. Visit the website of the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns for ways you can help.
Today's readings: Daniel 3:25, 34-43; Matthew 18:21-35
“Deliver us by your wonders, and bring glory to your name, O Lord.”
Wednesday 23rd March
Memorial Of Turibius Of Mogrovejo,
Time is of the essence
Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo was a defender of the voiceless. A Spanish missionary to Peru who became archbishop of Lima, he defended the rights of the indigenous people who suffered terribly during Spanish colonization. His favorite saying was, “Time is not our own and we must give a strict account of it.” Many times, it can be easy to overlook those who are voiceless, to pass them on the street without a second thought. But as Saint Turibius taught, our time on Earth is limited, and we should spend it on the things that matter and can make a difference. Today, notice those around you who may not have a voice and reflect on how you can help them to be heard. Take a step toward doing so.
Today's readings: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9; Matthew 5:17-19
“Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”
Thursday 24th March
Lenten Weekday
Live your truth
Truth-telling is a central tenet of JudeoChristian ethics. Today is World Day for Truth Concerning Human Rights, a focus that is essential because the loss of human rights is often built on lies stripping a group of people of their God-given dignity. Like so many Christian virtues, truth and honesty in the social sphere begin in small ways, with individuals living lives of personal integrity and then expecting the same of their leaders. As Saint Augustine says, "The greatest kindness one can render to any person is leading him to truth."
Today's readings: Jeremiah 7:23-28; Luke 11:14-23
“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”
Friday 25th March
Solemnity Of The Annunciation Of The Lord
Pregnant with possibilities
Mary’s pregnancy seems to get the fast track: Annunciation, Visitation, and then boom, it’s Christmas. But the Solemnity of the Annunciation is exactly nine months before Christmas, honoring the natural process of pregnancy. There are not many visibly pregnant Marys in Catholic iconography, but a few stand out. In the Americas, there’s Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, with Mary wearing a black sash customary for pregnant indigenous women. In Europe, you’ll find Madonna del Parto, often depicted with a book on her belly, an illusion to the Word of God embodied in her womb. These images have been open to many interpretations from the truth of the Incarnation to the important role of women in salvation history. What do the images of Mother Mary inspire in you?
Today's readings: Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10; Hebrews 10:4-10; Luke 1:26- 38 (545).
“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son.”
Saturday 26th March
Lenten Weekday
The heart of mercy
We hear a lot about sacrifice during Lent. Not so much about mercy. Yet as the Lord reminds us in today’s responsorial psalm (51), “It is mercy I desire, and not sacrifice.” In a sense, mercy requires its own “giving up” activity. Giving up on getting our way, on keeping score, on getting even. Saint Thomas Aquinas defined mercy as the “compassion in our hearts.” Let mercy, the love beating within, be your Lenten offering.
Today's readings: Hosea 6:1-6; Luke 18:9-14
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
